Tuesday marked the perfect end to a perfect trip for Tyreece John-Jules.
The 18-year-old striker was introduced as a second-half substitute during our friendly against Al-Nasr, and scored the winning goal just five minutes after coming off the bench.
It was an incredible moment for John-Jules, who has been at the club since he was just eight years old, and after the game we caught up with him as he tried to put the experience into words.
on how it felt to score his first goal…
It was an amazing feeling. I’ve been looking forward to this moment all my life, so I’m just happy that it’s actually come off.
on how much it meant to play for the first team…
It was a good feeling because all of the hard work I’ve been putting in with the under-18s, the under-23s, my whole life, and then to finally come here… it’s paid off. I’m proud and I showed the gaffer that he could trust me.
on keeping his cool for the goal…
I scored a similar goal for the under-18s and a similar situation popped up. I just tried to keep it cool, do the same thing and it came off.
on whether we can expect many more from him in the future…
Hopefully, yeah, hopefully!
on what type of striker he is…
I’m a good finisher and I like to hold up the ball with link play. I like to run in behind as well.
on what the Dubai experience has been like…
It’s been an amazing experience. It’s been about getting to know the players. The game’s a lot quicker than under-23s football though and it’s going to improve me as a player. It’s about taking it all in and trying to go again.
on whether it’s helped to have the younger players with him…
Yeah definitely. It makes you feel more comfortable so that you’re not too nervous, you’ve got your friends here so you’re not bored in the down time. It’s good.
on what advice Laca’s been giving him…
He’s been telling me to enjoy the experience to be fair, and he’s a very good mentor to me. He’s always telling me what I’ve done right and always making lots of jokes too. I love it.
on what he will take away from the week…
Just to stay cool, keep working hard in training and matches, and then go from there. Hopefully I’ll get anther chance.
on the fans…
There’s been a lot of fans around the hotel, people taking pictures on the beach, but it’s been a different experience and I’ve enjoyed it.
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